About us

Dhara graduated with a Master’s degree of Physiotherapy in Neurological and Psychosomatic Disorders in 2014. Along with completion of the Masters program with honours, she has also published an article on stroke rehabilitation in International Journal. She is a Registered Physical Therapist in good standing with the College of Physiotherapists of British Columbia. Dhara is a strong believer in lifelong education and using evidence-based approaches in her practice. Having completed an array of clinical placements from private sports clinics to spinal cord rehab, Dhara understands the value in unique, patient-centered treatment. She uses a multi-modal, hands-on approach to help her patients reach their goals She brings with her a cumulative experience of 9+ years treating patients of all ages with diverse Musculoskeletal, Neurological as well as Cardiovascular conditions. She is an IMS/ Dry needling certified and wishes to pursue various certifications in her field. Apart from work, Dhara enjoys Zumba, Music and hiking.

Donna received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Saskatchewan.

With over 30 years of experience, she developed expertise in a variety of clinical areas while working at Vancouver General Hospital, BC Children’s Hospital, private sports and orthopedic clinics, and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. She has been a clinical therapy leader at NRGH for over 10 years including start up Coordinator of the Intensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Program for strokes and amputees and most recently the Acute Therapy Lead.

Post graduate training includes: Level 2 Canadian Orthopedic Division manual therapy, Osteopathic approach Muscle Energy Techniques- Dr. Rex of Ursa Institute, Medical Exercise Therapy of Holten Institute Norway, Movement Impairment Systems diagnosis and treatment – Shirley Sahrmann, Amputee Gait Rehabilitation- Bob Gailey, NIH stroke certification, Vestibular and Stroke rehabilitation. Level 2 Cardiorespiratory training. Part 2 of Dry Needling certification with Acupuncture Canada completion- Feb 2021. She is a 2019 graduate of the Integrated System Model Series (ISM) learning with Diane Lee.

Donna enjoys helping all types of patients develop better movement strategies, reduce pain, and improve performance.

She became interested in Physiotherapy while a member of the U of S Huskiette Volleyball team which were five time inductees into the sports hall of fame after winning 3 consecutive CIAU titles.

Outside of the clinic, Donna enjoys seasonal activities in beautiful BC – hiking, golfing, cycling, skiing, as well as pilates, sailing, reading, and travelling.

Jorge Palacios, DOMP – Osteopathic Practitioner Committed to Restoring Balance and Function.

After living in America, Europe, Asia, and across many Canadian provinces and territories, Jorge and his wife have chosen Vancouver Island as their home. With over 20 years of experience in health studies, Jorge brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his practice.

As an Osteopathic Practitioner, Jorge is committed to uncovering the root causes of pain—not just treating its symptoms. He is continually fascinated by the human body’s ability to heal itself through precise techniques and manual therapies that promote alignment and restore function. His approach emphasizes working with the body’s innate intelligence, trusting that with the right care, it can regain balance and achieve optimal well-being. To Jorge, the human body is truly an extraordinary creation!

Jorge’s primary goal is to empower his clients to feel better, move freely, and regain control over their health. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain, migraines, headaches, joint pain, motor vehicle accidents (MVA), temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD), carpal tunnel syndrome, back and lower back pain, sciatica, torticollis, digestive problems, or sports injuries, Jorge is here to help. He works with a diverse range of individuals, including office professionals, healthcare workers, manual laborers, and athletes such as runners, cyclists, golfers, and team sport players. His treatments are tailored to meet the needs of those recovering from injuries or surgeries, addressing repetitive strain, postural issues, and managing stress or chronic conditions. Through his treatments, Jorge aims to relieve pain, restore movement, and enhance overall quality of life, empowering clients to return to their daily activities and passions with confidence.

Currently advancing his studies toward becoming a Doctor of Osteopathy, Jorge is dedicated to lifelong learning, ensuring that his clients receive the most effective and evidence-based care available.

Jorge offers appointments on Mondays in Lantzville and Fridays in South Nanaimo, where he is eager to begin helping the local community feel their best.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a holistic healthcare approach that focuses on the interrelationship between the body’s structure and function, emphasizing its innate ability to heal itself. Through manual techniques such as stretching, massage, and manipulation, osteopaths aim to restore balance and health by addressing both symptoms and underlying causes. This practice is based on the principle that optimal health requires the harmonious functioning of all body systems.

American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and World Health Organization (WHO).

What is Manual Osteopathic Therapy?

Manual Osteopathic Therapy is a gentle, hands-on modality that investigates mechanical disruptions to the body. Treatments examine the body as a whole unit and aim to correct both structural and functional areas of concern. The focus of a Manual Osteopathic Therapist is to support the body’s natural capability to heal, self-regulate and maintain overall health.

Manual Osteopathic College of Canada (MOCC)

I studied for my Bachelors of Kinesiology at the University of Victoria from 2009-2014 before working as a Kinesiologist for a year. Working alongside Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists helped me realized that I loved being a part of the rehabilitation of someone’s journey - I enjoyed being able to build and develop meaningful relationships with clients who were overcoming sometimes significant events or traumatic accidents in their lives. I knew I wanted to expand my skills and knowledge further in this direction, so I decided to apply for my Masters in Physical Therapy. I attended McGill University in Montreal.

Since my return to Nanaimo 5 years ago, I have worked as a Physiotherapist in private orthopedic and neuro-based clinics including CBI and Symphony. One of my passions is working with geriatrics and the neurological population who don’t always have accessibility to a clinic, I began my own mobile Physiotherapy business last year as well as working in the hospital in the acute setting. I have certifications in IMS, Levels 1-3 Pelvic Floor dysfunctions and Levels 1-2 Concussion management.

Over the course of my studies, I had the opportunity to learn and work alongside many wonderful supervisors and therapists who I continue to look up to every day. This includes experiences within geriatric, post-surgical and general Orthopedics in both in-patient and out-patient settings, as well as ICU and acute rehabilitation. There was one supervisor in particular during my studies, Marla Rapoport, who taught me the importance of client-centered care. To her, a patient was not just a number or a time slot to fill. She valued the importance of developing a rapport with her patients so that they felt comfortable and trusting towards her. She understood that being an exceptional Physiotherapist extended beyond just the physical and functional components of one’s rehab process. It involved guiding and supporting the patient through the emotional and psychological turmoil that can be associated with an injury or life-changing trauma/ accident. Under her direction, I witnessed first-hand the benefits of individualizing care and working in a collaborative setting with the patient to achieve their functional and personal goals during recovery. I was drawn to working with the Lantzville and South Wellness Centre for these reasons and believe the clinic follows the same philosophy. With her in mind, my goal every day is to portray these same qualities and characteristics with every patient I encounter. I want to work with patients to target the root of their problems and to provide them with the education to correct, manage or prevent injuries from reoccurring. I believe that active rehab, specifically exercise, is an enormous component of any successful rehab process and should be an essential adjunct to passive treatment provided in the clinic.

Kayleigh received her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology with Honours at the University of Victoria and is currently a practicing member of the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists. During her studies, Kayleigh cultivated a growing interest in neurological rehabilitation, which she continues to pursue through active engagement as a kinesiologist, specializing in clients with neurological conditions in Nanaimo. Kayleigh also currently practices as a Kinesiologist, Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant, and an Ergonomic Assessor for Genesis Rehabilitation, which has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of rehabilitation, exercise prescription, and disability management. She has also gained further valuable experience as a strength and conditioning coach for the University of Victoria’s varsity athletics program, where she honed her skills in exercise prescription and programming. She is in the midst of studying for her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification.

Throughout her professional career, Kayleigh has continuously observed the transformative effects of exercise and active rehabilitation, and her dedication to her profession underscores her commitment to promoting holistic wellness and facilitating optimal recovery for her clients.

My experience as a physiotherapist has been a wonderful journey. Nothing gives me greater happiness than watching my patients getting better and transitioning back to their normal life. I have a special interest in women’s health and manual therapy. I am continuing to acquire more knowledge and skills to meet the needs of my patients. My continuing education in chronic pain has helped me to understand the intricacies in pain management. I am dedicated and determined to learn more and serve my community well. Looking forward to helping you all with pain management and functional rehabilitation.

Sahil Tanna has always been passionate about the health industry and he selected physiotherapy as his profession to accomplish his priority goal in life of helping people in pain.

He was drawn to that career especially after he personally benefitted greatly from it at one point in his life.

“After being in a motorbike accident and getting help from another physiotherapist, I was already in a state of mind to consider this as my career in the health care field,” he said.

He achieved his Bachelor of Physiotherapy degree in India followed by his Exercise and Wellness Diploma in Victoria, B.C.

Sahil really enjoys the clinical side of being a physiotherapist and never wanted to just sit at a desk.

Today he says there are so many advances in his field that it keeps him on his toes to find new information and stay up-to-date.

He does that capably with an impressive continual learning program.

Already he has acquired certifications in IMS, Vestibular Assessment and Management, Functional Capacity Evaluation and Part A Lumbar Spine: Mckenzie Institute of Canada.

Currently he is also working on certification with the Fellow of Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy – FCAMPT Level 1.

Besides his knowledge and his experience in a broad range of physiotherapy, he has interest in vestibular therapy and falls prevention.

When Sahil is not working, he loves to play competitive cricket and recreational soccer. He also loves spending quality time with his toddler.

He also dedicates time to guide international physiotherapists like himself to have a better career in Canada.

Tess Hasenbacher is a Registered Massage Therapist with the College of Complementary Health Professionals of British Columbia (CCHPBC). Her practice focuses on the assessment and treatment of orthopedic and sports-related injuries. Tess is dedicated to promoting full-body healing and enhancing her clients’ quality of life.

Drawing from her experience and education, Tess offers individualized and adaptive treatment-based massages tailored to each client’s unique needs. Her clinical goal is to listen to her clients and work collaboratively with them, aiming to restore their ability to engage in daily activities without pain or limitations. Tess is committed to continuous professional development, regularly expanding her scope of practice through ongoing education and certifications. Tess’s areas of experience include:

• Deep Tissue Massage: Focuses on releasing chronic muscle tension and improving flexibility.
• Swedish Massage: Utilizes gentle techniques to promote relaxation and overall well-being.
• Trigger Point Myotherapy: Targets specific points of muscle tension for effective pain relief.
• Myofascial Release: Aims to alleviate pain and improve movement by releasing fascial restrictions.
• Neuromuscular Therapy: Addresses muscle imbalances and enhances neuromuscular function.
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage: Supports the immune system and reduces swelling through gentle massage techniques.
• Joint Mobilizations and Movement Therapy: Restores joint function and enhances mobility.

Education:

• Massage Therapy: triOS College, formerly International Academy of Applied Health, 2023
• 220+ hr Yoga Teacher Training: PranaShanti, 2021
• Bachelor of Science (Geology):University of Ottawa, 2020

Tess’s dedication to her clients and her passion for massage make her a trusted partner in the journey toward optimal health and wellness. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or seeking to enhance your physical performance, Tess is here to help you achieve your health goals with a personalized, holistic approach.